THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MADRID, SPAIN
This blog post is all about the best things to do in Madrid, Spain, what to see in Madrid, where to eat the best vegan food in Madrid and unique things to do in Madrid.
This is the perfect 3-day itinerary for Madrid, Spain. Madrid is an absolute dream and amazing city to visit for a weekend. We recently spent 4 days there and enjoyed it thoroughly as I’m sure you will too! Without further ado, here are the best things to do in Madrid, Spain.
best things to do in madrid
Madrid, the vibrant capital city of Spain, is a treasure trove of cultural landmarks, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences. At the heart of the city lies the Golden Triangle of Art, featuring world-class art museums like the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, where masterpieces by Francisco Goya and El Greco await art lovers. For a dose of Spanish history, visit the majestic Royal Palace of Madrid, one of the largest royal palaces in Western Europe, or stroll through the bustling Gran Vía, lined with historic buildings, theaters, and rooftop bars offering stunning views.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find tranquility in beautiful parks like El Retiro Park, home to the iconic Palacio de Cristal and the fragrant Rose Garden, or in the sprawling Casa de Campo, perfect for a leisurely Sunday afternoon. Whether you’re a football fan eager to visit the Santiago Bernabéu, a foodie exploring tapas bars in La Latina, or a history buff marveling at the Templo de Debod, Madrid offers something for everyone.
The best part of exploring Madrid is its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Dive into the local culture with a walk through the lively San Miguel Market or Calle Cava Baja, famous for its authentic tapas and wine. Catch the solemn Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace or savor a meal at my favorite Italian restaurant, Choose.
The city also boasts lesser-known gems like the Parque del Oeste with its stunning views and the El Rastro flea market, a Sunday favorite for bargain hunters. For a cultural night out, enjoy a flamenco show or a performance at the Teatro Real. And don’t forget to venture off the beaten track with a local guide to uncover hidden spots that add to Madrid’s charm. No matter the time of year, the Spanish capital is a great place to immerse yourself in art, history, and vibrant city life.
How to get to Madrid
Getting to Madrid is straightforward, as the city is a major travel hub in the center of Spain, offering various convenient options:
Plane
Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) is the city’s primary international airport and one of the busiest in Europe. It is well-connected to major cities worldwide. From the airport:
- Metro: Line 8 connects the airport to the city center in about 30 minutes.
- Cercanías Train: Line C-1 provides quick access to the main train stations like Atocha.
- Airport Express Bus: This operates 24/7, reaching key city locations like Atocha and Plaza de Cibeles.
- Taxi or Ride-Share: Available outside terminals with a flat rate of €30 to the city center.
Train
Madrid’s Atocha and Chamartín train stations serve as hubs for Spain’s high-speed AVE trains. These trains connect Madrid to cities like Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia within hours, making rail travel a fast and eco-friendly option. Atocha station is also an attraction itself, featuring a tropical garden in its main hall.
Bus
Madrid’s Estación Sur de Autobuses and Intercambiador de Avenida de América are the main bus terminals. Long-distance buses connect Madrid to Spanish cities and neighboring countries. This is a budget-friendly way to travel, with options like ALSA offering routes across Spain and beyond.
Car
Madrid is well-connected via Spain’s extensive highway network. Major routes like the A-1, A-2, and A-6 lead directly to the city, though driving in Madrid’s city center can be challenging due to traffic and limited parking.
High-Speed Train
For travelers from neighboring European countries or other Spanish cities, high-speed trains like Renfe’s AVE provide a seamless journey to Madrid, combining speed with comfort.
Bus Tours or Private Transfers
Group tours often include Madrid as a stop. Private transfers are also available for those seeking a more personalized arrival experience.
Whether you fly, ride the train, or drive, Madrid’s excellent transportation links make it an accessible and welcoming destination.
How to get around Madrid
Getting around Madrid is easy and convenient, thanks to its well-connected public transportation system and pedestrian-friendly streets. Here are the best ways to explore the Spanish capital:
Metro
Madrid’s Metro system is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to get around the city. With 12 lines covering the city and its suburbs, the metro connects key areas such as the city center, airports, and popular attractions like the Prado Museum and El Retiro Park.
- Tickets: A single journey costs around €1.50 to €2, depending on the distance. There are also 10-ride tickets and travel passes available for tourists.
- Metro map: The stations are clearly marked, and the map is easy to follow for visitors.
Bus
Madrid has an extensive bus network that covers the city’s neighborhoods and surrounding areas, complementing the metro system.
- Night Buses: Madrid also operates “búhos” (owls), night buses that run when the metro is closed, providing 24-hour service.
- Tickets: The same ticket can be used for both buses and the metro, and prices range from €1.50 for a single ride to €12.20 for a 10-ride card.
Cercanías Train
For those traveling to and from the city’s outer neighborhoods or nearby cities, the Cercanías suburban train network is a reliable option. Trains depart from stations like Atocha and Chamartín and connect to major districts like Alcobendas, Getafe, and Leganés.
Taxi or Ride-Sharing
Taxis are widely available throughout Madrid, especially in tourist areas. There are designated taxi ranks, and you can also hail a taxi on the street.
- Fares: Taxis have a base fare of around €2.50, with additional charges depending on distance and time of day.
- Ride-Sharing: Apps like Uber, Cabify, and Bolt are available in Madrid, offering a convenient alternative to traditional taxis.
Bike or Scooter
Madrid has made significant strides in becoming a bike-friendly city, with numerous bike lanes and a popular bike-share program called BiciMAD.
- Electric Scooters: E-scooter rentals (such as Lime, Bolt, and Circ) are also a great way to zip around the city. You can find them parked around key locations and unlock them via a smartphone app.
On Foot
Madrid is a walkable city, especially in areas like the city center, Gran Vía, and La Latina, where you can easily explore by foot. The city has several pedestrianized zones, and walking is a pleasant way to discover hidden gems, local markets, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Car
While it’s possible to rent a car in Madrid, driving in the city center can be challenging due to heavy traffic, limited parking, and the low-emission zone. It’s often more practical to rely on public transport or alternative modes of travel.
Tourist Bus
Madrid offers hop-on-hop-off tourist buses that take you to major landmarks like the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and Gran Vía. This is a good option for visitors who prefer guided tours with commentary.
Whether you prefer the speed of the metro, the convenience of taxis, or the leisurely pace of walking, Madrid’s transportation system ensures you can easily explore all the city has to offer.
where to eat in madrid – the best things to do in madrid, spain
La Oveja Negra, C. de Buenavista, 42 – we absolutely loved this vegan taberna in the hip Lavapies neighborhood. The food was delicious and the anarchist, feminist, cruelty-free message was on point. We highly suggest you support this amazing locally-owned restaurant!
Pizzi & Dixie, C. de San Vicente Ferrer, 16 – we didn’t have time to visit this adorable vegan Italian food spot, but the restaurant comes highly rated on Happy Cow and on the Vegan Travel websites. It looks like their pizza is outstanding!
Los Andenes Vegan, C. de Fernández de los Ríos, 43 – you must go here! The food is flavorful, fantastic and the ambience is joyful. We love Peruvian food and I’m constantly craving papas a la huancaina after having it frequently while in Peru in 2018. While this restaurant is a bit far from the tourist areas, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Santa y Pura, C. de Sta. Isabel, 27 – this is a lovely place for vegan tapas and it’s close to Paseo del Prado and the museums.
Mad Mad Vegan, C. Lavapies 16 – we went to the Lavapies location (they have another location in Chueca). We got the cauliflower wings, a burger and caesar salad. It was all delicious and it was fun to walk around the Lavapies area and find the street art near Embajadores.
Delish Vegan Donuts, C. Cristo, 3 – we didn’t make it here, sadly, but people RAVE about their vegan donuts. It seems like they have many specialty donuts to try. Next time we travel to Madrid, we will definitely go here.
Bunny’s Deli, C. San Gregorio, 17 – this is one of the few places that opens early (10:00 a.m.). They serve high quality, artisanal vegan and gluten-free food. This is a must-visit, esp if you have gluten allergies.
the vegan place we went to many times
Freedom Cakes, C. de Cádiz, 7 – this diner was really close to our hotel so we went here a few times. They are open everyday from 9:00 a.m.-midnight. This makes it so easy to visit! Their waffles and pancakes are outrageous with delicious puffs of cream and a plethora of choices. Their brunch special is also amazing. We highly recommend this restaurant, esp for breakfast/brunch! It’s also nice that it’s really close to Plaza del Sol and Barrio de Las Letras.
vegan tapas in madrid
B13, C. de la Ballesta, 13 – this is the perfect greasy, messy bar food. The prices are amazing and the food is delicious. Make sure to get there right when they open so you get a table and take cash. My favorite dish was the salchipapas.
Cookaluzka, C. de Lira, 8 – I really wanted to go here, but unfortunately, we ran out of time and they are located a bit further out. Their food comes highly rated on Happy Cow and the Vegan Travel Facebook page. Next time we visit Madrid, we will definitely go here.
El Perro Gamberro, C. Benito de Castro, 4 – I really wanted to go here, but unfortunately, we ran out of time and they are located quite far from the tourist area. Their food comes highly rated on Happy Cow and the Vegan Travel Facebook page. Next time we visit Madrid, we will definitely go here.
vegan stores in madrid
Veggie Room, C. de San Vicente Ferrer, 19 – we didn’t make it here, but we are definitely going here on our next trip! An all-vegan grocery store? Yes please!
Planeta Vegano, C. del Ave María, 34 – we stocked up on vegan treats here. It was fun to see what they had that we haven’t seen in Portugal. The prices were decent and we bought quite a few things to take back to Portugal with us.
Only Vegan, Pl. de Chueca, 5 – this adorable store in the LGBTQ+ friendly Chueca area was small, but full of amazing vegan finds. Don’t miss this one!
what to do in madrid – the best things to do in madrid, spain
Buen Retiro Park and Crystal Palace (see the observatory too) – Grand Pond, Plaza de la Independencia, 7 – I loved, loved, loved this grand park! I probably could have spent our entire trip at this park. It’s immense and opulent and there is so much to do! It gets quite busy on weekends, but is much calmer during the week. Definitely allocate a couple of hours for this lavish park! This park is absolutely in the best things to do in Madrid, Spain list!
el buen retiro park is a must-visit
Rent a little boat in Retiro Park + Monument Alfonso XII, La Rosaleda (roses), Jardines de Cecilio Rodriguez – these are more things to do in El Buen Retiro park. We were seriously impressed with this park and highly recommend a visit. If the weather is nice, you could rent a boat on the little lake. Or this fun walking tour!
Puerta de Alcalá – this huge arch is ornate and gorgeously surrounded by colorful flowers. We walked to Puerta de Alcalá and then entered El Buen Retiro park so we could start farther away and walk towards where our hotel was located.
Real Jardin Botanico, Plaza de Murillo, 2 – we didn’t go to the Jardin Botanico as we preferred to spend most of our time in El Buen Retiro park, right next door. On our next visit, we will visit the botanical garden.
Paseo del Prado – this leafy street is one of the main boulevards in Madrid. It runs north–south between the Plaza de Cibeles and the Plaza del Emperador Carlos V, with the Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo lying approximately in the middle. It’s a fun area to observe daily life in Madrid.
Royal Palace and Gardens (FREE M-Th 4-6 p.m.) C. de Bailén – we didn’t make it here as we had to choose between Museo del Prado and here and the Museum won. We will absolutely visit the Royal Palace on our next visit. However, we DID walk by the palace and go to the lookout nearby. We also happened upon a group of dancers performing nearby and enjoyed their free show. If you don’t want to worry about securing your free spot, you could book this super fun tour: Royal Palace Tour.
the most visited areas in madrid
Plaza Mayor – this is one of the oldest plazas in Madrid and is considered the center of Old Madrid. We only spent a few minutes here as it was quite crowded. It’s definitely a must-visit, esp since it’s near Puerta del Sol.
Puerta del Sol – they were doing construction work here while we visited so we didn’t get to see it in its glory, but all the more reason to visit again, eh?! This is probably the busiest area of Madrid as it seems to be a meeting point for groups.
El Oso y el Madroño (near Puerta del Sol) – check out this adorable bear with the strawberry tree sculpture near Puerta del Sol.
Mercado de San Miguel, Pl. de San Miguel (near Plaza Mayor) – even if you don’t go inside the market, just seeing the lovely cast-iron architecture from the outside is worth it. As it’s near Plaza Mayor, include it in your itinerary for that day.
Plaza de la Villa, Muslim Walls (near Plaza Mayor) – we didn’t make it here – we will save it for the next trip.
Plaza de Oriente Garden (by Royal Palace, near Plaza España) – this garden was lovely and located directly across the street from the Royal Palace. You could include it in your itinerary when you visit the Royal Palace of Madrid.
Temple of Debod (Ancient Egyptian Temple), C. de Ferraz, 1 (near Plaza de España) – get here right when it opens or be prepared to wait in a looooong line! We didn’t go inside as we didn’t want to wait in the line and felt that we could enjoy and observe enough from the outside. This Temple if right by Oeste Park so we highly suggest that you combine these two places. It’s also near Plaza España.
our favorite parks in madrid
Oeste Park (close to Templo Debod) – I adore this park! As you can probably guess, I love going to parks when we travel. This park is exquisite and has stunning views of the mountains and forest areas of Madrid. We really had no idea that Madrid was surrounded by so much lush forest land and had views of grand mountains. I really enjoyed this park as it’s farther away from the tourist areas and filled with locals and their families. I always enjoy observing daily local life while traveling.
Madrid Rio Park, P.º de la Ermita del Santo, 14 – another must-visit! This park is immense and I feel like we really got a chance to see how locals live in Madrid. This park is relaxing with historic monuments and interesting modern architecture entwined.
Gran Via and Fuente de Cibeles (near Puerta de Alcalá) – I think when most people see photos of Madrid, it’s usually Gran Via. This road is bursting with opulent buildings with gorgeous architecture and a plethora of pedestrians. It truly is a “Gran Via!” Fuente de Cibeles is nearby and you should definitely take a photo of the fountain with Cibeles Palace behind it. And, we highly suggest that you walk by at night as the lights are illuminating and the palace is captivating.
Palacio de Cibeles mirador (near Bank of Spain) – if you want an amazing view of Gran Via, we suggest you go to this mirador. It’s truly gorgeous!
Malasaña district (near Plaza España) – this area is hip and overcrowded! We walked by quite a few times and it’s an interesting area to see, but it’s incredibly crowded.
Teatro de la Zarzuela – try to check out a show here to see the lush interior of the theater.
Parque de las Siete Tetas (best sunset view) C. de Ramón Pérez de Áyala, 12 – we ran out of time and didn’t get to venture to this park. From the reviews, it seems like an amazing park especially during the sunset. You can see the colossal 4 buildings from one of the hills.
fun self-guided tours in madrid – the best things to do in madrid, spain
Explore Barrio de Las Letras – this area is ADORABLE! We loved walking around to read the quotes by famous authors and find out where they lived and wrote their books.
Do a self-guided street art tour – we walked to the Embajadores area and saw some incredible street art and murals. This is definitely one of my favorite activities while traveling to help get a sense of the place and the social struggles. We used this guide to find street art.
Flamenco show – this is a super fun flamenco show!
the most visited museums in madrid – the best things to do in madrid
Museo del Prado (FREE Sa 6-8pm, Su 5-7 p.m.), Reina Sofia (FREE Sa 7-9 p.m., Sa 12:30-2:30) – what can I say – we like to save money while traveling so we will have more to spend on vegan food. LOL – the awesome thing about Madrid is that they try to make art accessible to everyone by having free times to visit the museums. Make sure you go to their websites beforehand to secure your spot! If you don’t want to worry about not getting a free spot, you can skip the line and have a guided tour using this link: Museo del Prado skip-the-line tour.
Terraza del Sabatini (best rooftop views) Cta. de San Vicente, 16 (near Palacio Real) – we didn’t make it to this terraza, but it’s definitely on our list for the next visit to Madrid!
Final Thoughts on Madrid
Madrid is a city that offers something for everyone, whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history lover, or someone looking for vibrant city life. A visit to the Museo Nacional del Prado and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is a must for art lovers, as both are part of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art, home to world-class collections. For a taste of local culture, explore Parque del Buen Retiro, a perfect place to relax, or wander through the outdoor markets like El Rastro for a more authentic experience. Madrid is also famous for its lively flamenco shows, and tapas bars like El Tigre in La Latina or my favorite, B-13, where you can savor the best Spanish flavors.
For a memorable evening, head to a rooftop bar to enjoy stunning views of the largest royal palace in Europe and the bustle of the city. Football fans can catch a match at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu, home to Real Madrid, or visit its museum for interesting facts about the legendary team. With numerous public holidays and free entry days at some cultural sites, there’s no bad time to visit this vibrant city, whether you’re strolling through the city center of Madrid or exploring its largest parks. Whether you’re visiting during busy public holidays or quieter months, Madrid provides a great experience that will leave you with memories to cherish for years to come.
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where to stay in madrid
General list of Madrid places to stay
Our top recommendations:
- Amazing location + beautiful room near Puerta del Sol
- Large, comfy apartment in awesome location
- Budget friendly hostel in great location
- Affordable + luxurious stay in perfect downtown location
- Hip Chueca area apartment
super fun paid activities to do in madrid – the best things to do in madrid, spain
- Hop off/on bus around the city – this is a great way to get to know the city and save your feet from too much walking!
- Teatro Zarzuela Opera show – this is the perfect way to check out a show at the famous Teatro Zarzuela
- Segovia/Toledo day trip – if you have more time in the city, this is an awesome guided day trip.
- 3 hour Madrid Bike Tour – how fun would this be? I’m definitely booking this for our next trip!
- Tuk Tuk Tour of Madrid – this includes my favorite area – Barrio de las Letras!
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THE 5 ITEMS WE WERE SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOR ALL OF OUR TRIPS:
- Merrell women’s light hiking shoes – these are amazing because they are lightweight, but are extra grippy and helpful! I also have this pair that I always get compliments on: Merrell Rainbow shoes. Fernando loves his Asics trail runners which are also grippy and perfect for walking on cobblestone streets.
- Thermoflask water bottle – like a Hydroflask, but more affordable! We don’t go anywhere without these water bottles full of purified water.
- North Face Aphrodite 2.0 capris – Seriously, I wear these pants every.single.day! I couldn’t live without these ultra-comfy, lightweight pants that dry so quickly. They are 100% worth the money!
- Osprey Day Pack – this is an awesome lightweight backpack! We easily put the belongings we need at hand for traveling around the city and on public transportation.
- Travel-friendly chewable toothpaste tablets – these are so fantastic for keeping your teeth clean on the go!
OUR FAVORITE EUROPEAN SERVICES:
- DISCOVER CARS – If you want to rent a car while you’re in Europe, our favorite car rental aggregator is Discover Cars. We frequently rent cars and they always have the best prices and great quality vehicles.
- iTalki – if you want to learn another language before traveling to Europe or while you’re there, we love iTalki. We highly recommend their language services.
- NORD VPN – perfect to use your technology in other countries!
- Airalo E-Sim – this let’s you use your phone anywhere in the world without having to get a physical sim! We use this all the time when we travel outside Europe!
- Big Bus Tours – the perfect way to see the city when you first arrive!
- Get Transfer – transfers between all of the airports and cities
This was our post about the best things to do in Madrid, Spain. Have you been to Madrid? What was your favorite thing about it? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas!
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